Solitons in noncommutative field theories are direct counterparts of string theory D-branes. Their most distinctive feature is that they automatically localize (sometimes quasi-localize) gauge and matter fields on their world surface. In this respect they are particularly interesting for phenomenology, serving as realistic models of brane worlds.

In these lectures, noncomutative field theories are introduced at the classical level; several types of solitons in these theories are constructed; the phenomenon of (quasi-)localisation of matter and gauge fields is described and the correspondence between the properties of noncomutative solitons and those of string theory D-branes is outlined. Hints for brane world phenomenology are discussed.